Dengue in Timor-Leste during the COVID-19 phenomenon

Dengue is a significant public health problem in mostly tropical countries, including Timor-Leste. Dengue continues to draw attention from the health sector during the COVID-19 phenomenon. Therefore, the goal of this study is to evaluate the dengue incidence rate in comparison with the COVID-19 cumulative number and associated dengue risk factors, including the fatality rate of dengue infection in each municipality during the COVID-19 phenomenon in Timor-Leste, by applying the data processing program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A descriptive study using GIS was performed to provide a spatial-temporal mapping of dengue cases. Secondary data, which were sourced from the Department of Health Statistics Information under the Ministry of Health Timor-Leste, were collected for the period during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020–2021. These data were grounded at the municipal (province) level. Quantum GIS and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze the data. During the COVID-19 outbreak (2020–2021), dengue spread nationwide. It was found that there was an increase in municipalities with high dengue cases and cumulative COVID-19 numbers. The high number of dengue cases associated with the COVID-19 cumulative number found in municipalities with an urban characteristic and in terms of severity, dengue fever (DF) is most commonly reported with a total of 1,556 cases and is followed by dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Most cases were reported in the months of the monsoon season, such as December, January, and March. Dengue GIS mapping helps understand the disease's presence and dynamic nature over time

Dengue hemorrhagic fever prevention and control: DHF-solve model using linebot-application and GIS

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) poses a significant health challenge in Thailand, highlighting the need for a better understanding of its transmission and characteristics. Innovation and technology are essential for effective prevention and control measures. This research article centres on developing a model to prevent and control DHF, utilising the DHF-Solve model, a Linebot, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The research was conducted in four phases. Phase 1 focused on identifying risk factors and high-risk areas for DHF. Phase 2 examined the factors influencing people's behaviours regarding DHF prevention and control. Phase 3 was dedicated to developing the model, while Phase 4 assessed its effectiveness. The research employed various tools, including GIS, questionnaires, Linebot, assessment forms, and primary and secondary data collection. Risk areas were identified through frequency and weighting techniques as well as descriptive statistical analysis. The factor that most significantly influenced behaviour was people's perception of DHF, which received an average score of 4.19. The findings from the model development indicated that the DHF-Solve Linebot is an effective management and control system for DHF. It features six menus accessible through the Line Official Account (LOA) and can function as a real-time platform. This Linebot incorporates AI chatbot commands and GIS technology, which proved to be the most effective in terms of promptness and responsiveness. It has demonstrated the potential to reduce morbidity rates during two outbreak generations. Therefore, this model effectively addresses the issue of DHF and should be implemented as a response mechanism in emergencies where DHF outbreaks may arise

Insights into SCP/TAPS Proteins of Liver Flukes Based on Large-Scale Bioinformatic Analyses of Sequence Datasets

Background: SCP/TAPS proteins of parasitic helminths have been proposed to play key roles in fundamental biological processes linked to the invasion of and establishment in their mammalian host animals, such as the transition from free-living to parasitic stages and the modulation of host immune responses. Despite the evidence that SCP/TAPS proteins of parasitic nematodes are involved in host-parasite interactions, there is a paucity of information on this protein family for parasitic trematodes of socio-economic importance.\ud \ud Methodology/Principal Findings: We conducted the first large-scale study of SCP/TAPS proteins of a range of parasitic trematodes of both human and veterinary importance (including the liver flukes Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica as well as the blood flukes Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium). We mined all current transcriptomic and/or genomic sequence datasets from public databases, predicted secondary structures of full-length protein sequences, undertook systematic phylogenetic analyses and investigated the differential transcription of SCP/TAPS genes in O. viverrini and F. hepatica, with an emphasis on those that are up-regulated in the developmental stages infecting the mammalian host.\ud \ud Conclusions: This work, which sheds new light on SCP/TAPS proteins, guides future structural and functional explorations of key SCP/TAPS molecules associated with diseases caused by flatworms. Future fundamental investigations of these molecules in parasites and the integration of structural and functional data could lead to new approaches for the control of parasitic diseases

Advanced AI-assisted panoramic radiograph analysis for periodontal prognostication and alveolar bone loss detection

BackgroundPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gingival tissues and supporting structures of the teeth, often leading to tooth loss. The condition begins with the accumulation of dental plaque, which initiates an immune response. Current radiographic methods for assessing alveolar bone loss are subjective, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. This study aims to develop an AI-driven model using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to accurately assess alveolar bone loss and provide individualized periodontal prognoses from panoramic radiographs.MethodsA total of 2,000 panoramic radiographs were collected using the same device, based on the periodontal diagnosis codes from the HOSxP Program. Image enhancement techniques were applied, and an AI model based on YOLOv8 was developed to segment teeth, identify the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), and assess alveolar bone levels. The model quantified bone loss and classified prognoses for each tooth.ResultsThe teeth segmentation model achieved 97% accuracy, 90% sensitivity, 96% specificity, and an F1 score of 0.80. The CEJ and bone level segmentation model showed superior results with 98% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, 98% specificity, and an F1 score of 0.90. These findings confirm the models' effectiveness in analyzing panoramic radiographs for periodontal bone loss detection and prognostication.ConclusionThis AI model offers a state-of-the-art approach for assessing alveolar bone loss and predicting individualized periodontal prognoses. It provides a faster, more accurate, and less labor-intensive alternative to current methods, demonstrating its potential for improving periodontal diagnosis and patient outcomes

Study about Tuberculosis in Thailand: An approach to Treatment, GIS and Sichon Model

In this study, we seek to identify geographical areas where ongoing tuberculosis epidemiological characteristics is occurring by linking Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in Thailand. In addition, we seek to assess how the directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) program improved new tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment successes in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand from 2014 to 2016. The assessment program included seven indicators, and the results revealed that 73 new cases of tuberculosis were admitted for treatment on average every year, with rates of risk group screening findings of 4.28, 5.23, and 6.04 %, respectively. Patients who come to the hospital for diagnosis make up most of the demographic. However, only a minor proportion of patients are identified through community-based primary screening. In the years 2013-2016, the mortality rate of TB cases is expected to rise by 10.25 %, 4.25 %, and 5.56 %, respectively. The elderly and HIV-positive patients comprise most of the TB mortality population. When completing the DOTS program at a hospital, however, the rate of success has fallen short of the targets. Furthermore, the screening technique excludes the target group. As a result, people suffering tuberculosis are reported to be slower and more susceptible to symptoms. As a result, researchers advise that the DOTS program be supported by enhancing treatment follow-up to improve the effectiveness of TB treatment and collaboration with health care worker (HCW).</jats:p

Worm-free Cooking, Fish Safety: Recommendation to Strategy for Opisthorchiasis Prevention Program

Fish-borne parasitic zoonosis such as Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini remains a major public health problem in many parts of Southeast Asia and Me Kong Basin region including Thailand. The focal point of Opisthorchiasis is located in north-eastern part of Thailand, along with high prevalence coincidence of cholangiocarcinoma, a major primary carcinoma of the liver with a very poor prognosis. Opisthorchis viverrini infection caused by developed cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). O. viverrini infection is acquired by eating raw or partially cooked fish. In endemic areas, several food preparations contain uncooked or raw freshwater fish. The most common local freshwater fish used for this recipe are Koi Pla, Pla Som, Lab Pla and Pla Yang or Grill fish. Raw fish dishes are known to be associated with the risk of liver fluke infection due to the consumption of cyprinoid fish that contains metacercaria of O. viverrini. Grill fish and Lab-Pla are among the famous Thai traditional food in the northeastern and northern part of Thailand. The consumption of raw Grill fish can lead to    O. viverrini infection because cyprinoid fish is a second intermediate host of O. viverrini.  This study investigated the literature of previous working for prevention and control of Opisthorchiasis and confirm worm-free cooking safety of cooking with consideration of time for the preparation of freshwater fish-grill for the prevention and control of Opisthorchiasis and Cholangiocarcinoma infection. The unique experiment experimental designed. The freshwater fishes grill within the group of 0,1,2,3,4 and 5 minutes with 10 fresh water fishes from fisherman in Nakhon Phanom and Sakhon Nakorn provinces which reported high O. viverrini infection among risk people in 2009. The another experiment using frozen freshwater fish at -10 degree for 5 days. The results showed that metacercariae remained active in control and 1-2 minutes experimental groups. The groups 3-5 minutes of grill fish partially cooked showed inactive metacercariae. The excretory bladder spread with unclear form. The conclusion suggested that worm-free cooking under review, and unique experiment of cook safety is a crucial basic knowledge leading to bringing knowledge, practically for the prevention and control Liver fluke infection. Recommendation information also let people better understand the concerns during health literacy program to stop transmission of liver fluke and need to be discussed among head villagers, public health agencies and teachers in the public participation process and school health program. </jats:p

Human intestinal capillariasis in Thailand

Intestinal capillariasis caused by Capillaria philippinensis appeared first in the Philippines and subsequently in Thailand, Japan, Iran, Egypt and Taiwan; major outbreaks have occurred in the Philippines and Thailand. This article reviews the epidemiology, history and sources of C. philippinensis infection in Thailand. The annual epidemiological surveillance reports indicated that 82 accumulated cases of intestinal capillariasis were found in Thailand from 1994-2006. That made Thailand a Capillaria-prevalent area. Sisaket, in northeast Thailand, was the first province which has reported intestinal capillariasis. Moreover, Buri Ram presented a high prevalence of intestinal capillariasis, totaling 24 cases from 1994-2006. About half of all cases have consumed raw or undercooked fish. However, even if the numbers of the intestinal capillariasis cases in Thailand is reduced, C. philippinensis infection cases are still reported. The improvement of personal hygiene, specifically avoiding consumption of undercooked fish and promoting a health education campaign are required. These strategies may minimize or eliminate C. philippinensis infection in Thailand